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Problem
potholes in East Lothian's roads are filling up fast, thanks to a speedy new
automated repairs vehicle dubbed the Jetpatcher®.
The revolutionary new device can pack
in around 3 to-4,times as many pothole repairs as conventional methods -and the
repairs are much longer-lasting.
Until recently, determined road workers faced an uphill struggle, shovelling
between 2 and 3 tonnes of material a day to fill in an ever growing number of
potholes. But their best efforts are not a patch on what the new Jetpatcher® can
do, using as it does up to 12 tonnes of filler
a day for repairs that will last for up to 2 years. This allows enough time for
planned, and more permanent, resurfacing work to take place before
the potholes re-appear.
The £88,000 patching machine started work across the county last month. It
directs a burst of compressed air to clear away loose debris from the hole
before feeding in a self-compacting mixture of bitumen and stone through a
high-pressure nozzle. The result is a quick and reliable repair job.
"The pothole problem is being attacked on a worst first basis," explained
Councillor David Costello, East Lothian Council's Environment spokesman.
"The Jetpatcher® has already been working extra hours in the early part of
October to help tackle as much of the backlog as possible before winter sets in.
"We recognise that potholes have been a major source of complaint for local
residents and visitors, and are confident that the new Jetpatcher® will make a
real difference," added Councillor Costello.
"The Council is spending nearly £2million this year alone on roads repairs but
everyone is aware that even greater investment is needed. That's why we are
working hard to find other sources of funding to bring our roads up to the high
standard people have come to expect."
Article Source: East Lothian Focus, Winter 2001
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